3 years blogging and a giveaway

Saturday, December 22, 2012

3 years ago today, I was at my mom's house for dinner. We had my grandparents over for Christmas and after they left, the rest of us were just laying around watching movies and relaxing. I was fiddling around on my little brother's lap top when I had finally thought of a name for a blog: Va-Voom Vintage.

My little 3 month old Olivia was asleep in her travel swing so I logged on right there at the kitchen counter and created a blog and made my first post.

Olivia and I when she was 4 months old- wearing my first 50's dress and early attempt at vintage hair

I had spent the past year in my pajamas. As pregnant housewife, I had no excuse to dress up except for my baby shower or to look like a normal person when I went to the doctor's office. I had awful morning sickness and various pregnancy problems so looks weren't on the top of my priorities list. I was a new mom- exhausted all the time and needed something just for me and a blog would do that. It would motivate me to put myself together, to sew more, to share my love of vintage fashion with others and connect with other adults, which is something that hadn't happened for me in over a year.

Isn't it amazing when you find a friend that's just as crazy as you are?

top left: first blog outfit post and first 40's hat and attempt at victory rolls top right: Rhys just 1 day old bottom left: early blogging outfit bottom right first attempt at pin curls

If I could have told this tired little momma what would come of this quick project at mom's kitchen counter that night, I don't think she would have believed me. In 3 years, I've been published in magazines and featured on other blogs and I've made life long friendships both online and in person. I've started to support my family through blogging and etsy and most importantly, I've inspired other women who felt like I did to take time to feel good about themselves again. Here I am right now, back at mom's kitchen counter, relaxing in my new pink Christmas robe. The hair turned out more red than brown but I kinda like it! More pics later this week, when the day job has slowed down a bit.

I have amazing things planned for this blog, for myself and for my readers in 2013. I really can't wait to see where another year of blogging takes me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who takes time to read, comment and email me. You guys are amazing!!

This giveaway is sponsored by Coaster Canvas. Coaster Canvas creates beautiful vintage inspired coasters for your retro home. These coasters feature cork backing, made from sustainable tree bark to protect table tops and a high gloss, scratch resistant top coat. The archival
quality of this printing process extends the life of products for up to 4
times longer than any of the best photo archival papers out in the
market!

Mary, owner of Coaster Canvas says:

"When
I begin a new coaster, I’m guided by feel—first choosing a colored
background that speaks to me that particular day. Then my thoughts turn
to composition and how certain forms may play off of each other, waiting
for that moment of inspiration that says “this works”. During this
process, I feel like a puzzle sleuth, moving pieces (parts of images)
together until they fit just right. After I’m settled with the
composition, my focus turns to lines (shape and weight) and how they can
help create a sense of movement for the eye. The line art can be used
behind, in front and/or woven in between the main images in the
composition. Once all the moving parts have settled into place, they are
glued down to make the finished coaster. The icing on the cake is a
message that emerges from the design and then short phrases or
particular words are added for the final touch.

It
goes without saying, of course, that vintage ads, diagrams, line
drawings are a constant source of inspiration for me... discovering lots
of treasures in all my thrift store antique mall ventures. As I work
with sewing patterns, Interesting shapes within images of people really
inspire my imagination too. I love to look at the figures in terms of
angled legs/arms, head placement and expression. It’s funny, but as I
working, I actually feel like I’m in the land of “make believe” in my
mind, playing the person in the image and what it would feel like to be
that pose (and dress, gloves, hat, etc.)! Then there is color, I’m
always inspired by colors and wondering what happens when certain
combinations come together. And lastly, it inspires me to create
something new from something old—giving it a whole new life of its own."

Mary was kind enough to send me one of her beautiful coasters. I love to sit in my comfy vintage chair and knit while I watch movies and sip hot cocoa but I haven't been able to find any coasters to match my vintage decor. My side tables are original 1950's and I hate to get water rings on them. Mary's coasters are big enough to fit my fab 50's coffee mugs!

Congrats on three years of blogging! I hope that I can say that in three years! Like you I am a Mom. I have stayed home most of the past seven years and I have tried my hand at blogging about Montessori and homeschool in the past. This year I decided I needed something separate from my kids so I started Frocks and Frivolities. I hope that it will provide an outlet for me, because no matter how much I love spending time with my kids, a girl has to do something else on occasion too! I am in a new town and I don't know anyone so blogging also provides a social outlet for me. Thanks for sharing your journey and inspiring so many others too!

Happy blogiversary. I can relate to this so much. My blog has documented my development of my fashion sense. I started it as a naive 14 year old, and over the past two years, have started to actually refine my blog and make it something to be proud of. Just as with you it's a motivation for me to be bothered to dress up and experiment with vintage styles and be inspired by others. Your first attempt at pin curls turned out better than mine. I've also liked Coaster Canvas so count me in! Look forward to many more blogging adventures of yours here on your corner of the world wide web :D

Congratulations on three years of blogging! :D I just wanted to tell you that you are one of the vintage bloggers that has really inspired me with keeping up a vintage look while being a mom; it's something I'm really keen on continuing once my little girl arrives in March! :) So many people have told me "it's too hard to dress up and have small children"--but it's gals like you that prove them wrong! Keep it up!

Congratulations on your blogoversary Britanny! I have loved your blog since close to the beginning! Sorry I only recently learned how to follow a blog. I wish you the best of luck in the new year and a very merry Christmas!Keep blogging!Love Sophia

Happy Blogiversary {sp?}, Brittany!! Blogging really can be a great way to make a necessary change in one's life. And it's obvious how many people love you and your blog. You've made a difference in so many lives just from this blog and that is major!

Your blog is amazing and I have to owe my blogging success to you. I remember contacting you to figure out how to get my blog out there to more readers. I wish the best future for you and your family and hope your blog makes you a star!

Congrats hunny, I have always enjoyed reading your blog and catching up on your latest adventures! I only hope I feel inspired to maintain my vintage look when our lil boy arrives in a few or so weeks.xxx

I've had the pleasure of watching your blog spring to life and constantly evolve since day one pretty much, and have been incredibly inspired by you all throughout the past three years. Happiest congrats on hitting this awesome milestone - I cannot wait to see what the next three years (and beyond) has in store for you, dear gal.

I congratulate you for your accomplishments! I found your blog a couple of weeks ago, and got completely hooked :) It has inspired me to follow my heart and dare to wear vintage, and have my own style. To feel good about myself, and to let myself look good! Your posts are always very good and you look so adorable.I love the "Build a Vintage Wardrobe"-series, do you think you could add a chapter on the essential undergarments? Keep posting, Merry Christmas from Norway! ;)

Hi Brittany Happy Anniversary !!! I love your blog and I have been following for almost 2 years now. I really like the fact that you arent a skinny minny (like myself) and also the tutorials you have done along the way have been really helpful. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season :) xxxP.s dont you think the coasters remind you of old girls book albums. I used to get one called Twinkle and they have the same fell to it.Merry ChristmasValxxx

I love your blog - I have silently stocking you for sometime now! I just followed you on GFC but have been a facebook follower for a while. I also followed Coaster Canvas! Have a Rockin' Holiday! -Stephanie Nericcio

REgarding Coaster Canvas -- I purchased four of the holiday sets as Christmas gifts, which have already been handed out. The recipients loved them for their uniqueness and beauty -- and almost feel guilty even putting a glass or mug on them due to their vintage artistic quality. I assure them that each time they lift their mug for a sip, the image will still be there. They've now shared plenty of coffees and drinks with their coasters. I think I'll be looking to buy the other coaster canvas options throughout the year with non holiday themes. Merry Christmas, Vavoom!

Brittany, congrats on your blog and thanks so much for featuring my coasters in the giveaway.You have been a joy to work with. I look forward to following you for years to come!-Mary from Coaster Canvas

I am a faithful reader and enjoy all your posts. It is the only blog that I check EVERY day. EVERY day. I'm always sad if there isn't a post, but think to myself, "I bet that girl is having a busy day!" Blogging takes dedication and I'm glad you stick to it. Awesome!

I teared up reading this. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for almost 3 years without success. It has really worn me down, physically from the drugs...gained about 20lbs, and mentally from the stress. I was feeling fairly frumpy, when I decided that I would let my short bob grow out, and learn how to do something with my hair. So far I have purchased a few skirts and dresses from Pinup Girl Boutique (PUG), a book on how to do vintage hairstyles, and reading blogs like yours. I am feeling much more feminine, and just prettier all around. I'm being more accepting of my physical changes, and rediscovering joy and all that I have to be thankful for in my life. Thank you for sharing your story, and your love of vintage with us. You keep me inspired. <3

Wow, congrats on three years of blogging awesomeness! I feel very encouraged at seeing your early posts and outfits and attempts at pincurls, 'cuz that's where I'm at right now! It's cool to see the development of your blog from the older posts to the ones you do now, learning what is "you-ish" and improving as you went along. It's really amazing!

And these coasters... are adorable. They would go great in my room, because I DO have room for coasters and a mug! One can never have to many beverage supplies, especially cute ones!

I just stumbled across your site - was searching on Google and came across this post: http://www.vavoomvintageblog.com/2012/11/10-vintage-style-winter-shoes-under-50.html. :) So happy to have fond your blog! Would love to be entered into your giveaway - my house is in desperate need of good coasters! :)